News

After 39 Years of Service, Lee Ann Russ Retires as Middle Township Tax Assessor

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Lee Ann Russ (then McIlvaine) was an 18-year-old Middle Township High School Senior when she first applied to work for the Township of Middle on February 18, 1986. A few weeks later, she walked into Town Hall as a part-time clerk typist as part of a work study program through MTHS. Her starting salary was $4.00 an hour.  On July 31, 2025, Lee Ann will officially retire from her position as Township Tax Assessor after 39 years of dedicated service to the taxpayers and as one of the longest-serving employees in Township history.

“Many Mayors and Committee Members have come and gone in those 39 years,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “Lee Ann served them all with a caring and professional attitude. Her wealth of knowledge has been an invaluable resource to our staff and residents for nearly four decades. She was so much more than just a Tax Assessor.  She supported every worthy cause and special event and set an example for all of our team members to follow through her dedication to the folks she served.”

Lee Ann’s personnel file overflows with thank you notes and commendations, along with the record of her impressive rise to the top of her profession. She earned her Tax Assessor Certification in 1990. Lee Ann was appointed Deputy Tax Assessor in 1997. She has served as Tax Assessor since 2010 and as Coordinator of Computer Services since 2001. Russ has also filled the role of part-time Tax Assessor for Dennis Township for several years.  Lee Ann plays a leadership role in both the Cape May County Assessors’ Association and the Association of Municipal Assessors of New Jersey, serving as Treasurer for both organizations.

“I’ve had the pleasure and honor to work side by side with Lee Ann for over 25 years,” Township Business Administrator Kim Osmundsen said. “She is not just a great co-worker, but a great friend. We’ve come to take her experience and wisdom for granted over the years.  Speaking for the governing body and our staff, I can tell you she will be truly missed.  We send only the best wishes for a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Lee Ann and her husband Grant are proud residents of Goshen and have been married for 37 years. They have two children, Megan and Christopher and Lee Ann is a new mom-mom to Madelyn.

“It’s hard to believe nearly four decades have passed since I walked through these doors.” Russ said. “I am truly blessed to have worked with so many great people and elected officials over the years.  It was such an honor to serve the folks of my hometown in a role I loved.  You can’t ask for much more than that from your career.”

Lee Ann’s long-time partner in the Assessor’s Office, Deputy Assessor Liz Simpkins, will be officially appointed as Russ’s successor at the July 21^st Township Committee meeting.  Her promotion to Tax Assessor will take effect on August 1, 2025.

🌿 The Garden of Good & Evil 🌿

Our annual Garden Club Fundraising Gala is just around the corner — and it’s shaping up to be one unforgettable evening.

📍 Provence 2 N Main, CMCH, NJ 08210

📅 Wednesday, July 17th

🕡 6:30 PM

✨ Join us under the stars as we celebrate community, beauty, and growth in one of Cape May County’s most iconic private gardens. Expect elegant ambiance, seasonal fare, refreshing cocktails, and an atmosphere as lush as our mission.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors whose generosity brings this event to life:

🌟 Signature Sponsors

FC Kerbeck

Bellevue Tavern

Klenswite Pools

💐 Bloom Sponsors

Individual Financial Services

Thomas Matthew Designs

The Princeton Bar and Grill

Cape May Flower Co.

Coastal Marine

Surf Electrical

The Hafner Family

Prince Photography

🌱 Garden Friend

Dave Challenger with Builders First Source

We are still accepting Garden Friend sponsors – a perfect opportunity to support our mission and enjoy an elegant night out in the garden

📩 View sponsorship details and the official invitation below:

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MARK SHAW NAMED MIDDLE JUNE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

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Middle Township Public Works employee Mark Shaw has been named June 2025 Employee of the Month. Mr. Shaw joined the Public Works team as a laborer in January 2022 and was recently promoted to Equipment Operator

Mark Shaw was nominated for the Employee of the Month award by his Public Works co-worker, Rebecca Fox.

“Mark has been a leader for all his co-workers,” Rebecca Fox said, “He has done exemplary work leading our bulk trash pickup team.  He is a hard worker that our Public Works Department can always count on to get the job done.”

Committeeman Ike Gandy, who has oversight of the Township’s Public Works Department, echoed the praise for Shaw’s job performance.

“In just a few years, Mark Shaw has grown into a proven leader for our Public Works crew,” Gandy said. “His demeanor is always positive and professional.  Mark has been a valuable addition to team and is certainly worthy of this well-earned honor.”

Shaw will be officially recognized by the Mayor and Committee at the July 7th Regular Meeting of Township Committee.

The Middle Township Employee of the Month program was initiated by the Township Committee to honor employees who exemplify the Township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the Township’s most beloved employees in its history.

Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available at Township Hall at two locations: Human Resources and Training Department and the Administration Department. Residents are welcome to nominate an employee for this monthly recognition program.

Middle Receives State Funding for Police Youth Camp

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On May 19^th, the Middle Township Police Department accepted a New Jersey Department of Law and Safety Grant for $8256 to help support the MTPD Summer Youth Camp. Approximately 500 local middle school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past seven years. The Township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships and individual donations to offer the week-long program at no charge to local students.

The Middle Township Police Department’s Summer Youth Camp is a community initiative designed to engage local youth in positive activities during the summer months. The camp offers a range of recreational and educational activities aimed at fostering teamwork, leadership, and social skills. The program is staffed by police officers and community volunteers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants.

The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a trip to a water park. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, speak to the campers about making healthy decisions. Physical training is also a daily part of the program. The experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills and, of course, teamwork.

The grant was awarded by the Juvenile Justice Commission 2025 Summer Expansion Programming through the New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee.  The purpose of this initiative is to provide positive youth development activities to young people. This grant funding is specifically designed for current community-based program providers to expand existing programming in the summer months.

“We are excited to receive this continuing support from the State of New Jersey towards the annual funding for our Police Youth Camp,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “The camp would not be possible without the generous support of our many local sponsors. This additional contribution will facilitate our effort to ensure that as many of our kids as possible have the opportunity to participate in 2025.”

If you would like to contribute to the Middle Township Police Youth Camp, please contact Sgt. David Hagan 609.465.8700 ext. 1730

Middle Township Selects Semifinalist for NJ League of Municipalities’ Scholarship

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Andrew Johnson, a senior at Cape May County Technical High School, is proud of the history and friendly nature of the Goshen community.

Goshen resident Andrew Johnson was recognized by Middle Township Committee as a state semifinalist for the Louis Bay II Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition.  The scholarship is sponsored by the New Jersey League of Municipalities. The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brainpower. The theme for 2025 is “What I like about my hometown”.  Andrew’s essay extolled the history and unique rural nature of the Township’s Goshen community.

Township Committee also recognized the efforts of several Middle Township students who participated in the essay contest:

• Anna Delaney
• Isabelle Toland
• Joline Abe
• David DelConte III
• Nick Sittineri
• Kaya Fuentes
• Gianna Carfagno

“On behalf of Township Committee, I would like to congratulate Andrew on being selected as a semifinalist for the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition and recognize the efforts of all the students involved,” said Mayor Chris Leusner. “We place a strong emphasis on community spirit here in Middle Township and hope our efforts impact our youth in a positive way. We were thrilled to read Andrew’s essay and feel the obvious pride he carries for the history of Goshen, the friendship of his neighbors and the exceptional quality of life our hometown offers.”

The NJ League of Municipalities is authorized by state statute and since 1915, has been serving local officials throughout the Garden State. All of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities are members of the League.

For more information, visit www.njlm.org.

Middle Awards Contract for Davies Complex Playground Install

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During its May 19th Regular Meeting, Middle Township Committee approved a resolution to award a contract for the installation of new playground equipment at the Davies Sports Complex in Goshen.  The new equipment will replace the aging playground structure located near the complex’s snack stand.

The contract was awarded to Landberg Construction, LLC for an amount not to exceed $71,985.

Along with the main play structure, the new project will include a shaded swing set, arch climber, comet spinner, bike rack and hand sanitizing station.  The playground will be constructed on a poured-in-place rubber safety surface and will feature access via a concrete pavement path.

“We’re excited to get this playground project underway for our kids,” Committeeman James Norris said. “Along with recent upgrades to our ADA playground, these improvements will provide safe and engaging exercise and play for kids of all ages.”

The Township hopes to complete the playground project byearly summer 2025.

Middle Township Looks to Technology to Streamline Permitting Processes

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In a continuing effort to facilitate the permitting and inspection process for quality development projects, Middle Township is partnering with Spatial Data Logic (SDL Inc.) of Berkeley Heights, NJ to utilize the latest technological tools.

“Our Construction Office is now online,” said Committeeman Ike Gandy. “As we build out the platform, we will offer the ability for homeowners and contractors to check on their permit status and schedule inspections, all through their phone or desktop computer.”

The Township recently began accepting credit card/debit card payments for permitting costs. Soon, the SDL application will allow permit applications to be submitted and paid for online.

Important features of the SDL platform will include:

Electronic Plan Review – Review, markup, and approve plans digitally with our configurable workflows.

Employee Mobile App – Complete inspections and document findings with photos and notes.

ICC & General Code Integration – Our ICC and General Code integration enables users to access their codes from within SDL’s software.

Streamlined Tracking – Permit applications can be processed and tracked through SDL’s cloud-based software.

Residents and contractors interested in establishing an online account can contact the Construction Office @ 609-465-8740 or visit:

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Renaming Ceremonies Planned For Two Middle Township Post Offices

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Middle Township has been officially notified that two post offices within its boundaries will be renamed this Fall.  This action comes after years of advocacy by local interest groups and elected officials.

The Rio Grande Post Office, located at 1087 Route 47 South, will be renamed in honor of World War II veteran Carlton H.Hand.  Carlton was a US Army Lieutenant and received a Silver Star, Purple Heart, & battlefield commission for his valor andbravery while fighting in Italy.  Carlton was a lifelong resident of Rio Grande; he passed away in 1961.

The Whitesboro Post Office, located at 207 West Main Street will be renamed in recognition of Republican Congressman George Henry White.  White was the last Black Reconstruction-Era Congressman, representing North Carolina’s Second District between 1897 and 1901. He served in the state’s legislature throughout the 1880s.  Following his political career, White and his family moved to New Jersey, where he co-founded Whitesboro as a planned residential community for African Americans.

The effort to rename these USPS locations was led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd Dist.) and supported by Middle Township Committee.

“We are very pleased that these years-long efforts to recognize these important, historic figures have been a success,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “On behalf of Township Committee, I’d like to thank former Mayor Tim Donohue, Congressman Van Drew and the many local organizations that came together to advocate for the renaming of these Post Offices.  We look forward to our residents and visitors alike being reminded of the positive contributions to America’s struggles to become a better nation by both Carlton Hand and George H. White.”

The official renaming ceremonies for the two Middle Township facilities are planned for early Fall 2025.

Middle Launches Hometown Heroes Banner Program to Honor Local Veterans

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Mayor Chris Leusner and Township Committee are proud to announce the launch of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, an initiative designed to honor and recognize local veterans and active-duty military for their dedication and service to our community and country. The program serves to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of those who have put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow Americans.

The Hometown Heroes Banner Program will showcase specially designed banners featuring photographs of selected past and present service members, proudly displayed in designated areas in downtown Cape May Court House. The banners will serve as a public acknowledgment of their service and a point of pride for the community as they reflect Middle Township’s commitment to honoring those who serve.

“The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and community,” said Mayor Leusner. “These individuals embody the true spirit of bravery and sacrifice, and their contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated. We invite everyone to join us in honoring our local heroes through this meaningful program.”

The patriot project has been led by the Middle Township Garden Club as part of their efforts to support our veterans and bring improvements to public spaces in the downtown area. Last year, the Garden Club joined with local volunteers to paint the American Legion Post and provide beautifying landscape upgrades.

The program aims not only to honor individuals but also to inspire future generations by educating them about the importance of service, courage, and community support.

Middle Township Honoree Profile Qualifications:

• Active service with immediate family in Middle Township
• Active service currently residing in Middle Township
• Living veterans born in or residing in Middle Township
• Deceased veterans born in or with strong ties to Middle Township
• Veteran employees of Middle Township
• You must provide an official service photo of the honoree

Township residents interested in sponsoring an honor banner for a service veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces can learn more @ opens in a new windowmiddletownship.com or contact Alicia Woodrow at awoodrow@middletownship.com